Search

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a 7-fold increased lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes. Excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention are established predictors of long-term obesity.ObjectiveTo determine the impact of a postnatal lifestyle intervention programme for overweight women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (PAIGE).DesignPostnatal overweight women with previous GDM participated in a multi-center randomized controlled trial between June 2013 and December 2014. The intervention comprised a one-hour educational programme, a free three-month referral to a commercial weight management organization (Slimming World), a pedometer and structured telephone and text support, in addition to usual care. The control group received usual care only. The primary outcome was weight loss at 6 months.ResultsA total of 60 women were randomized (29 intervention; 31 control) in two centers based on their week of attendance. The intervention group demonstrated significant weight loss at 6 months post-randomization: mean (SD) 3.9(±7.0)kg, compared with the control group: mean 0.7(±3.8)kg, p=0.02. No significant difference was observed in blood glucose levels. With respect to wellbeing measures, a significant reduction in bodily pain was observed in the intervention group (P=0.007).ConclusionsPAIGE resulted in significantly greater weight loss at 6 months compared with usual care. Such weight loss could prove beneficial in terms of better long-term health and subsequent prevention of type 2 diabetes in overweight women with previous GDM. Future interventions need to consider recruitment strategies, timing of the intervention and the inclusion of partners and/or other family members.

BACKGROUND: Fruit and vegetable (FV) based intervention studies can be effective in increasing short term FV consumption. However, the longer term efficacy of such interventions is still unclear. The aim of the current study was to examine the maintenance of change in FV consumption 18-months after cessation of a FV intervention and to examine the effect of participating in a FV intervention on barriers to FV consumption.METHODS: A follow-up of a randomised controlled FV trial in 83 older adults (habitually consuming ≤2 portions/day) was conducted. At baseline, participants were assigned to continue consuming ≤2 portions FV/day or consume ≥5 portions FV/day for 16-weeks. We assessed FV intake and barriers to FV consumption at baseline, end of intervention and 18-months post-intervention.RESULTS: At 18-months, mean FV intakes in both groups were greater than baseline. The 5 portions/day group continued to show greater increases in FV consumption at 18-months than the 2 portions/day group (p CONCLUSIONS: Participating in a FV intervention can lead to longer-term positive changes in FV consumption regardless of original group allocation.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov NCT00858728 .